I just learned that Jay Albert passed away September 9.  He was
gentle and sweet and loving, and he was passionate about pianos and
pugs.  Jay and his husband, Brian Meeder, have the largest roll
collection I've ever seen -- taking over several walls in the house
and then rows and rows in the garage.

Jay and Brian met at an AMICA meeting and I think that they were
together around 30 years.  They managed to get married during those
few months that it was legal here in California.

A few months ago, I made the trek down to Santa Barbara, California,
to visit them, and Jay told me he had been diagnosed with cancer.
A couple of years ago he had a major heart attack; he fought back on
that, then came down with this cancer.

Even through this, he was a gracious host and had very high spirits;
Brian as the care-giver and Jay were both optimistic about the treatment
Jay was receiving.  He passed peacefully at his home.

Jay will be missed.

Eli Shahar
Sonora, Calif.